AFL to hold tribute match and fundraiser for Devonport primary school tragedy

The AFL has rallied behind the community of Devonport following the tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School this week.

Hawthorn and Richmond will play a pre-season game in north-west Tasmania next year as the AFL moves to support the Devonport community following the tragedy at a primary school earlier this week.

Five children died and several others were injured when strong winds caused a jumping castle at Hillcrest Primary School to fly into the air on Thursday.

The accident sparked a wave of grief and support from around the country and now the AFL has announced it will hold a tribute match in the region.

The pre-season game will be between Hawthorn and Richmond at 1.10pm (AEDT) on Saturday 5 March. A venue for the game is still being finalised.

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The AFL will also organise a fundraising event in the lead-up to the game.

“On behalf of the AFL, I extend my deepest condolences to everyone impacted by the accident at Hillcrest Primary in Devonport earlier this week,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.

“To all those affected by the tragedy, including the families, first responders, the school community, and the wider Devonport community, we send our thoughts.

“We can’t imagine the heartbreak that everyone in the close-knit North-West community of Tasmania is going through. We share in that heartbreak and as an industry we are united in our commitment to help.

“Together with the Hawthorn and Richmond football clubs, we will work closely with the local community and the Tasmanian Government and hold a fundraising event in the lead-up to the match which will be played on March 5 to benefit those impacted by the tragic circumstance.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale and AFL boss Gillon McLachlan. Photo: Michael Klein

“North Melbourne Football Club, which also has a strong and longstanding relationship with Tasmania, will also provide support.

“A fundraiser and a game of football cannot change what has happened, but it is one way for our game to wrap our arms around the north-west community of Tasmania and show our support.”

Hawthorn, which plays a handful of its home games in Tasmania each season, will host the match against the Tigers.

Richmond legend Matthew Richardson and his family are from Devonport, while star Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt also hails from Tasmania.

“Everyone has been completely heartbroken by the tragic loss of young lives in Devonport this week,” Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said.

“Nothing can make right what has happened but if in some small way we can help bring the Devonport and north-west coastal community together, then we are only too happy to help.”

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said: “We stand alongside and ready to help the community in any way we can.

“We hope this game is another contribution to the many being made across the country to help ease the pain of the local community, school and families.”